Trying to work with a dull miter saw blade can be incredibly frustrating, not to mention dangerous, too. Not only does it compromise the quality of cuts, but it also affects your overall efficiency.
That’s why it’s crucial to be familiar with the process of changing the blade on tools, especially on a DeWalt miter saw. Let me share with you the steps and insights I’ve picked up to guarantee safety and clean cuts and every time.
Can I Successfully Replace the Blades by Myself?
The best part about miter saws is that you can change the blades yourself. Saw blade replacement doesn’t require a trip to the repair shop or a hefty bill.
And the few tools you’ll need to adjust are probably already in your workshop, garage, or toolbox.
Replacing the Blade of a DeWalt Miter Saw: 6 Steps
Step #1
Always start by turning off the miter saw and unplugging it. It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this basic step gets overlooked.
Additionally, whenever you’re making adjustments to power tools, ensure they’re unplugged. It’s a simple measure that can prevent electrical shock and keep you safe.
Step #2
Find the blade wrench from behind the fence to remove it. You must loosen the guard cover bolt from the guard link; the driver end is just what you need to do. You can simply elevate the guard cover out of the way by loosening the bolt, but full removal is not required.
When the bolt is undone, the blade bolt will show. Once the blade guard is raised, lower the lid by tightening the bolt that was previously holding it up.
Step #3
Finding the spindle lock button is the next step. You should be able to find it on the side of the blade bolt that faces away from the blade.
The location of the lock shouldn’t be too difficult to find. Although this may differ depending on which DeWalt model you have.
Step #4
Carefully turn the blade while holding down the spindle lock. Keep the spindle lock in securely place as you loosen the blade bolt with the wrench.
Take out the worn-out blade and swap it out for a new one.
Step #5
Loosen the spindle lock and tighten the blade bolt. Remember that the DeWalt miter saw’s blade bolt is tightened by turning it backward and loosened by turning it forward. Maybe at first, you feel the want to act in the other way.
It may feel strange to turn counterclockwise to tighten since you may be inclined to turn right to loosen. You’ll get used to it in time, but for now, be careful not to tighten the bolt when you try to unlock your Dewalt miter saw inadvertently.
Step #6
Move the guard cover, undo the bolt holding it and lift it up and out of the way. Adjust the cover guard and re-bolt it into place. Lastly, test out the new blade.
Why Replace Your DeWalt Miter Saw Blade?
For Another Project
I’ve often heard people think that miter saws are just for wood, but that’s not the case. These tools are also used on materials like melamine, PVC, aluminum, and even copper. However, it’s crucial to make sure you’re equipped with the right blade for the material.
The stock blade on your miter saw should be fine for PVC, but you’ll need a separate blade for the other materials.
You can also use a miter saw to cut nonferrous metals, i.e., aluminum and copper [1]. However, blades tailored to this material will be required.
Avoid cutting metal with the factory-installed rip blade at all costs. Extreme caution is needed.
Old, Dull Blade
As time passes, blades lose their sharpness. Since you cannot sharpen all tools, you should swap out your old or dull blade for a new one to see noticeable improvements.
When the blade starts to get dull or blunt, it’s time for a change. Telltale signs of dull blades often include louder operation, more tear-outs, visible wear, burn marks, and the saw resisting the cut a bit more.
Keeping an eye out for these indicators can help you ensure optimal performance and quality cuts.
More Polished Results
Pre-installed blades typically have few teeth. Usually, a 32-toothed construction blade is included in a brand-new DeWalt miter saw, which is ideal for ripping or harsh chopping. However, it is not ideal for precise cutting.
If you’re keen on achieving professional-quality results, I recommend using a precision-cutting blade. Investing in a high-quality blade with more teeth will result in a smoother cut.
For furniture-making tasks, I always opt for a blade with around 60 teeth. The difference in the finish is truly remarkable.
Additional Tips for Beginners
Safety is always the top priority. Therefore, this should be your top focus while replacing the blade on the DeWalt saw.
Here are some precautions I’ve learned to take over the years, along with some nuances that have certainly made my crafting journey smoother and more enjoyable.
- Unplug the saw at all times before changing the blade to prevent significant injury
- Protect your eyes, ears, and face by donning goggles, earmuffs, and a mask.
- Wear protective gloves whenever handling the blade.
- Never put your bare hand near the blade.
- While you're in the middle of changing the blade, please keep your kids far away.
- Blades made specifically for Dewalt miter saws should be used exclusively with that brand. Use caution while switching brands of blades, and always keep the saw teeth pointing down. Cuts are made by rotating the saw blade in this way.
- When disassembling the saw, be sure to put away all of the screws and components. You could get into problems if you lose only one of the pieces.
- Lastly, another part to remember is the spindle lock. It's there to keep the blade from moving during a test cut, but it needs to be removed before you start the blade changing procedure.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to change a DeWalt miter saw blade, you won’t need to visit a professional every time you need to replace a single blade. It may seem easy, but it requires your full attention, focus, and expertise.
No matter how straightforward it might seem, if you’re a beginner unfamiliar with the intricacies of a miter saw, I’d strongly suggest consulting with seasoned woodworkers, carpenters, or technicians first.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
